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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Too many cats?

29 replies

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 16:02

I have 6. All happy, cared for, well fed, looked after, enough space for them all to have their own areas, most of the time they get on, and enough litter trays for them all. The oldest one is 16 and the youngest is 21 months. The others are 3, 4 and two 11 year olds.

I would like another cat though.

But I'm afraid that if I contacted a rescue centre they would come to do a visit and say a firm NO on the grounds of TOO MANY CATS.

OP posts:
Devineursula · 19/01/2023 16:04

Why do you want a 7th?

is it you alone or do you have family also? If so, are they keen too?

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 16:07

Devineursula · 19/01/2023 16:04

Why do you want a 7th?

is it you alone or do you have family also? If so, are they keen too?

No it's just me and the cats. At the risk of sounding like a crazy cat lady.

I love cats. That's it!

OP posts:
Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 16:07

A colleague has 12 cats. And a husband and two teenage girls, her house is like a zoo.

OP posts:
Devineursula · 19/01/2023 16:11

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 16:07

A colleague has 12 cats. And a husband and two teenage girls, her house is like a zoo.

And you use this is as an example of why it’s ok to have multiple cats. It’s sound bloody dire for everyone (including neighbours).

OP there is no need. Apply, sure, and if cats rescue says too many, then bloomin well trust that they know better than you

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 19/01/2023 17:27

I think you're very lucky to have six cats who all get along so well.

Why would you risk upsetting the status quo?

Upfartooearly · 19/01/2023 17:50

You would probably be accepted by a small local rescue but, having read your comment “most of the time they get on,” I could say the same about my 4 (previously 5) cats however, I know that I’d not be doing the right thing for my cats by taking another one in because there are actually all sorts of simmering tensions going on that they manage by being aloof and apart from one another so that nothing erupts.

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 18:43

Devineursula · 19/01/2023 16:11

And you use this is as an example of why it’s ok to have multiple cats. It’s sound bloody dire for everyone (including neighbours).

OP there is no need. Apply, sure, and if cats rescue says too many, then bloomin well trust that they know better than you

Show quote history

I don't use it as an example of anything or say it's ok to have 12 cats. It's far too many for me.

OP posts:
AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2023 18:46

I have 4 (and a dog). I have always had 3 and always been happy with 3, but a friend in need needed a home for their 11 year old girl so I obliged. She has only just settled in after almost 9 months. I wouldn't have any more than 3 by choice.

I don't think I'd cope with 6. The cost of food and litter alone!!

MithrilCostsMore · 19/01/2023 18:49

I have nine. And a dog. All rescues though not through a centre. They all get on, often groom each other. That said, I've taken on this many over a period of years to save the cat/kitten but I know I wouldn't take on any more. Apart from anything else, I couldn't afford any more!

YourWinter · 19/01/2023 18:50

It would be dreadfully unfair to the eldest cat to introduce another to an already large group. It may live to over 20, though most don’t. What is lacking from your relationships with the other cats that makes you think yet another one would fulfil? Can you improve your interactions with the six you already have? Do you truly think adding another will be enriching for them - all of them?

It’s not like collecting shoes or scarves in every style and colour.

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 19/01/2023 18:55

How likely is it a new cat would slot in without issues?
Seems things are in balance, do you want to risk that for cat no.7?
Suggest you stay off rescue websites while you seriously think it through.
But some people are never done and will add and add long past the point where everyone was happy, only you know whether this is a level headed choice or a craving you're needing to satisfy.

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 19/01/2023 18:59

What do you do with them if you are away in holiday?

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 21:13

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 19/01/2023 18:59

What do you do with them if you are away in holiday?

I've got a cat sitting business and one of the other sitters comes in. We do that for each other.

OP posts:
Chocbuttonsandredwine · 19/01/2023 21:15

Get all the cats then. I would. As long as they are rescues

Thats literally the only thing that stops me… getting one looked after is a pain enough

Beamur · 19/01/2023 21:15

Why do you want another?
6 is already quite a full load!

mavi5davi5 · 19/01/2023 21:31

I have 11 cats, all who get on well with each other and 9 of them are related in one way or another. If you feel you can offer a happy home to some more cats in need, then I say why not.

However if it's going to cause distress to the current kitties then I would be less inclined to say go for it !! really helpful I know 😂.

Devineursula · 20/01/2023 06:12

mavi5davi5 · 19/01/2023 21:31

I have 11 cats, all who get on well with each other and 9 of them are related in one way or another. If you feel you can offer a happy home to some more cats in need, then I say why not.

However if it's going to cause distress to the current kitties then I would be less inclined to say go for it !! really helpful I know 😂.

Do you have children? Or also like OP and you and the cats?

11 cats? you will no doubt push back but I see this as a flag for a mental health issue

Marie2023 · 20/01/2023 06:14

Please don't get another cat. It's cruel. Cats are not pack animals and find it stressful living with lots of other cats.

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 20/01/2023 07:01

Marie2023 · 20/01/2023 06:14

Please don't get another cat. It's cruel. Cats are not pack animals and find it stressful living with lots of other cats.

They do however form loose colonies when left in their "feral" state so I don't think it's strictly true that they always find living with other cats stressful.

That said, six cats (or more) in an enclosed space is very different to a loose colony of outdoor cats who can come and go as they please.

mavi5davi5 · 20/01/2023 07:19

mavi5davi5 · 19/01/2023 21:31

I have 11 cats, all who get on well with each other and 9 of them are related in one way or another. If you feel you can offer a happy home to some more cats in need, then I say why not.

However if it's going to cause distress to the current kitties then I would be less inclined to say go for it !! really helpful I know 😂.

@Devineursula, thank you for being so judgemental. No mental health issues here thanks, just a genuine love for cats.

I have 3 children. Our cats are house cats - by choice, they are free to roam but choose not to, they use a litter tray so they are not a nuisance to our neighbours. They are flea and worm treated monthly. They being untold joy to my children and are very loving.

I last used Mumsnet 10 years ago when pregnant with my youngest, I only recently rejoined as TTC #4. Which probably also makes me a lunatic but hey ho.
Thank you for reminding me what a vipers nest it is with people like you trying to pigeon hole people, diagnose everyone with something or just being downright rude.

OP get your cats, cats are better than people in my opinion.

ClarissaParry · 20/01/2023 07:49

We have 4 in a 3 story terrace (with basement). They each have their own spaces, we have "catified" the walls (high ceilings) with scratching posts, steps up to high beds, enough litter trays, and so forth. They still get into scraps and show signs of stress now and again, but we just about manage. I wouldn't ever have more than 4 though! I once read that cats are like adult lodgers, and that comparison feels apt to me. They each have their own specific requirements for their living space and it doesn't always include other creatures...

Devineursula · 20/01/2023 07:49

Good grief. You appear on the edge.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 20/01/2023 08:03

Devineursula · 20/01/2023 07:49

Good grief. You appear on the edge.

Why? Pushing back at a horrible bully?

Stickytreacle · 20/01/2023 08:12

I have ten curentlly, all get on well and three go outside, the other seven prefer a catio. All are ex stray or ferals that needed help and rescues were all full.
I wouldn't choose to have so many, as although I love them it is incredibly expensive and time consuming.
I believe that recent research has shown that cats are actually quite social and can live happily in large groups, I find it easier introducing one to a bigger group than when there are just one or two. However, if your group already has issues I would tread carefully.

mavi5davi5 · 20/01/2023 08:13

@Devineursula thanks for the observation, I'm not going to keep feeding the troll so this is the last reply you'll get. Maybe you should think before you press send, I am very fortunate not to suffer with mental health issues. Others are not. I pray they don't encounter you and your, oh my god I'm so edgy and exciting I'm being a complete bitch to people I don't know on the internet, it may well not end so happily for them. The #bekind movement evidently passed you by.

Perhaps you need to see someone about your need to pick strangers apart because they have different views from you ?

Do enjoy your day.

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